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Hunger gnawed on Miku's stomach as she searched for the Mahard Guild Centre – a place to register into a guild. A growl came out and she rubbed her skin. It had been a whole day since she last ate. For the past few weeks that were spent in the forest, living on stale bread and preserved meat made her crave for fresh food.
"Some fresh omelette is for sale! Recently cooked and delicious!" a woman called out. "Buy it for only 3 silver coins!"
"Mouth-watering watermelons are available!" a man yelled. "Limited time only! Do not miss out!"
Miku rustled through her pouch and fished out 2 silver coins. There was not enough.
In this world, coins are used for currency. A gold coin is equivalent to 24 silver coins. In order for avengers to earn them, they need to complete quests set by either the councillors or modern day folks. Another option is to hunt demons and sell valuable body parts to the bankers.
As she had not accepted any quests yet, the only way left was for her to hunt. With that thought in mind, she set out and exited the city, entering the forest that surrounded it. If she recalled by memory, some earth type demons at the level of 2 roamed there.
Level 2 demons were mentally 13 years old. The levels for those monsters impacted on their power and mental age. Every demon had different amount of years they spent on each level. The longer they stayed in a certain level, the stronger they will become.
She strolled through the forest, appearing as vulnerable and weak as possible to attract attention. She whistled and walked. Silently, she waited.
And waited.
Patience began to wear out as an hour passed by. There had been no trace of any demons, or a single footstep. It was strange. Normally, the forest would be flooded with them. Miku gazed up into the sky and the direction of the sun. Perhaps it was not the time for them to be wandering around. Perhaps they took a nap right then.
Just when she considered leaving, there was a tremble – subtle but noticeable. Then, the movement grew more conspicuous. A cacophony of distant bird cries pierced through her ear. Mighty trees cracked and fell by the weight of something. A roar screeched through, unrecognisable and terrifying.
She snapped her head up. What in the world was that–?
A foot clamped right in front of her face. It slammed down onto the ground, rippling the earth and denting it. Sharp rocks shielded its flesh like a piece of armour, and hints of precious stones were buried behind it all. Apprehension flooded into her. She hesitated, but then, she slowly looked up. And straight into a pair of menacing eyes.
It was an earth type demon.
But it did not look anywhere near a level 2.
Miku gulped as she clenched on the hilt of her sword. Oh boy… I am in big trouble.
~~~~0~~~~
The blonde boy rested on a tree top as he took a bite into an apple. The view was beautiful there: clear stream, green trees and a crystal blue sky. Tranquillity drifted through the air, completely different to the human city that clashed with shouts and noises.
Even though he was enjoying himself, he knew that he needed to quickly return to report his abandonment in the task set by his teacher. Though as punishment, he may be sent back home for a week.
He shuddered with disgust. Home… a place that I absolutely abhor.
Every demon was treated depending on their status or position. No one had an individual name like humans do; it was all just 'servant', 'ordinary folks' and many others that would take too long to mention it all.
He could remember the way the female demons watched him – as a prize, or a goal that showed their ability to seduce powerful males. It revolted him on how they envied his position he was born into, even though he never asked for any of it.
I do not want to hear that 'name' being used to me again. He squeezed his brown hood. I wish someone could give me an actual name, he whimpered in his head. I want something that truly belongs to me only, not some foolish-passed-down name.
The boy sighed and leaned back against the tree. He allowed his mind to drift, calmly and slowly. His head swam with past memories – His teacher praising him for the first time, the secret hideout he always hid in when upset, and his kind brother, Rei, whom he used to play with before Rei –
All of a sudden, a sharp cry pierced through his head. "Pain! … Pain! Get me out of this pain!"
He jerked up. It was the language of the demon – in human term, telepathy. This was the way they communicated and no ordinary mundane could hear it.
"Please!" it screamed. "Someone, stop this misery!"
He winced and covered his ear in protection. Normally, he would ignore it because it could have been a prank. Back at home, many demons did that to him before discovering who he was. But this time, there was something off about it – almost as if the pleading demon was being tormented.
He tightened his fist. He could not just stand there when his kind was suffering.
With a small breath being sucked in, he crouched down like a lion and leaped to the direction of the voice.
~~~~0~~~~
Miku barely managed to dodge a snarl from the demon's teeth. She backed away a few metres from it and stayed on guard.
It had the common features that an earth type would have – a rock hard body. It stomped with its four legs, almost like a dog if it was not for its monstrous size and rocky features. Black ominous lines slithered around its body with red marks brimming right next to them. Its eyes twinged with malice, evident red veins curving in them. Its black pupils were diluted and made them appear huge.
This must have been the reason why level 2 demons did not appear.
Though something was wrong… It shook its head vigorously and wobbled a little. It was like seeing a drunken man trying to concentrate.
It was as if it was being controlled.
The demon snapped open its mouth and roared. Shards of rock were spitted out, piercing through the air. She quickly sliced the ones speeding towards her in half. The 'Megumi' chopped through it easily, and the split pieces toppled beside her. Then, seeing that its earlier moves were futile, it rampaged forward. The ground shook violently with each powerful step it took. Its foot rammed in the direction of the teal girl. Though she avoided the attack just by a hair's width. Just barely.
Miku debated on whether to simply run now or fight the monster to find a great opportunity to escape. If she was to sprint away then, it would chase after her. If she wounded it enough, it might be too weak for a wild goose chase.
The second choice seemed much better.
She inhaled a deep breath. Summoning all the courage, she leaped forward and ran in the direction of the demon. It bared its teeth, acidic saliva dribbling down and marking the earth below. It lowered its body and chomped with its mouth as she drew near. The girl dodged to the side and grasped onto the chance of possible victory when its head leveled with her own. She aimed for its left eye, viciously slashing it with her sword. It plunged straight into the soft organ with a sickening gorging sound.
Purple blood spilled everywhere. It jumped back and howled, shaking its head violently. Blinded with agony, it attacked aimlessly in fury for vengeance.
Using this chance, Miku cautiously sneaked backwards. It was the perfect time to escape. While it was recovering from the loss of vision from one of its eye, she could quickly dash away.
As she moved, a twig snapped under her foot.
The demon jerked and glared down at her. A blinding flash of the tail whipped towards Miku, sending her flying through the air before she could react. She smashed into a nearby boulder with her back crashing against it first. Pain scorched through her whole body like fire in her veins. Her scream was clogged up in her throat. The girl's vision started to blur as the darkness slowly enveloped her.
Before she lost conscious, she witnessed the demon charging at her. The feeling of death crept up to her. Was this really how she was fated to die? Eaten by a monster? She still had so many things she wanted to do – revenge, join a guild, make new friends… and fall in love… She still had not tasted the so called sweetness of love that many of her villagers had used to describe it.
Suddenly, someone jumped in between them and faced the enemy head on. The last thing she saw and remembered was a pair of humongous black wings sprouting from the person's back.
The wings were more horrifying than the earth type demon and anything she had ever seen before.
Almost like an avenging death angel. She thought
Then, she blacked out.